Chinese animal vaccine company to open first U.S. location in K-State facility

Morgan Chilson

Wednesday

May 31, 2017 at 10:48 AM

The largest animal vaccine company in China is opening its first United States location in Manhattan at the Kansas State University Office Park.

Jinyu Bio-technology Co. LTD will focus its work on the research and design of vaccines for swine and cattle, as well as developing educational materials for Chinese companies and veterinarians, according to a news release from K-State.

Jinyu Chairman Chongyu Zhang said the company’s decision was based on a belief that Manhattan and K-State are "in the forefront of animal health research that is relevant to Chinese animal agriculture and the world."

"Manhattan is the home to many world renowned scientists in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Biosecurity Research Institute, and the future National Bio and Agro-defense Facility," he said.

Zhang added that Jinyu is growing quickly internationally and is "looking forward to developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with partners in the region." The company may add manufacturing facilities in the future.

Jinyu plans to employ four to six scientists. The company has researched the Manhattan location for nearly two years and was drawn to its connection with the region known as the KC Animal Health Corridor, the release said.

"The KC Animal Health Corridor’s international reputation is a strategic advantage for more and more animal health companies," said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. "We are thrilled to welcome Jinyu to our Corridor community and look forward to the company’s leadership and effort."

The Corridor is anchored by Manhattan in the west and Columbia, Mo., in the east. The region is home to more than 300 animal health companies, accounting for more than half of sales generated annually by the global animal health industry.

"When university-focused companies like Jinyu Bio-technology locate adjacent to K-State’s campus, partnerships develop with faculty expertise and research to promote real-world application and discovery," said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation.

"Jinyu has state of the art pilot production and manufacturing facilities, strong financial support for research and development and great market penetration in China," said Jishu Shi, director of the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health at K-State. "This partnership is the first (for K-State) with a Chinese animal health company. It will accelerate the commercialization of novel discovery and development ideas generated by K-State scientists."

Tammy Beckham, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said the agreement supports the university’s interest in research and development of biopharmaceuticals.

"In addition, Jinyu’s expansion to Manhattan will help support economic development through the addition of jobs and partnerships," she said.

Peter Dorhout, vice president for research, said the university’s strength in animal health research helps to attract large companies to the region and contributes to what amounted to $882 million of economic impact in Riley, Geary and Pottawatomie counties in fiscal year 2015.

"Partnerships in animal health in particular help university and industry researchers inhabit the cutting edge," he said. "Protecting animal health requires adapting to changing global circumstances, and we want to ensure that our researchers and students are prepared to contribute and to help industry address urgent needs."

Dorhout added that the partnership further advances the university’s goal to become a top 50 public research university by 2025.

"K-State’s 2025 strategic plan encourages us not only to create a culture of excellence that results in increased research activities, but also to fully engage with people and build necessary infrastructure," he said. "We are working to ensure that K-State innovations are applied to improve global food security, bio-agro defense, animal and human health, and more."

Jinyu’s Manhattan operations will be located in Phase II of the K-State Office Park, which is scheduled to break ground in July. The company will begin operations in 2018.

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